2011
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Description:The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid features a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, an electric motor and the most advanced lithium polymer battery available. This system cranks out 206 net horsepower, and delivers exceptional 35 City and 40 Hwy MPG2. Hybrid efficiency and innovative performance finally meet in the 2011 Sonata Hybrid.
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This all-new hybrid has all the style and premiums you expect in a Sonata. And unlike other hybrids on the market, it uses a breakthrough lithium polymer battery pack, which runs cooler, lighter and is shapeable for optimum packaging.

Strengths:I have driven the car for >1000 miles and have had no problems, issues or complaints

Very Stylish Exterior

Comfortable and highly functional interior

The seats are comfortable and the driver's seat has eacy to use intuitive adjustments that make driving comfortable

Bluetooth works extremely well and enables one to have "hands-free" and "eyes-om-the-road" phone use
Quiet operation

Climate control works very well and provides for seperate temperatures for the passenger and driver

The airflow system enables the rear passengers to experience temperature control (cooling AC in my experience) quickly

Six speed transmission gives a pleasing and fun-to-drive experience

Braking is very smooth and sure

The car rides and brakes true with no tendency to pull to either side - one only feels in complete control

Trunk, though small, is very functional

Gas mileage is for me 40+ mpg in city driving and 45+ mpg for extended highway trips at 55-60 mph

The Hankook Optimo tires have provided good traction in both wet and dry pavement. I have not noticed squeal even in emergency avoidance maneuvers.

The Warranty is far better than any other car in its class.

The lithium-polymmer batteries do not loose charge even if the car is idle for a week.

Headlights provide good lighting and the daytime running lights are a good safety feature.

The fog lights are a nice standard feature.

Excellent safety features with superb crash ratings.

Weaknesses:Standard car does not come with a spare, but one can get a "donut" and jack for little money and there is place for a spare in the trunk

Summary:Excellent car that is fun to drive, pleasing to the eye, evokes envy from others, provides a safe, engaging and fuel efficient ride. The car has excellent features including hands-free phone use while driving via the Bluetooth function. The car has high resale value and the excellent warranty provides security with the hybrid features including the cutting-edge lithium-polymer batteries. As an aside the construct of the lithium-polymer batteries makes them safer than traditional betteries in the event of a crash. The safety features are excellent resulting in the car having excellent crach ratings.

Strengths:The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with Premium Package is a stunningly beautiful car with a luxury car level of comfort. Interior color could be a bit less drab though.

Weaknesses:My Check Engine Light has been coming on since 451 miles. (I now have 1381 miles on my odometer.) My Dealership is still trying to determine the cause of the Check Engine Light. Also, the XM Radio did not initially work. The Dealership installed a new antenna, then a new radio. The XM Radio now works, but the display screen for the Radio is different than the original one. The other concern I have had with 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is that when you put the car into reverse when parking on an incline, the car continues to roll forward for several feet. My Dealership has told me this is normal. I feel this is dangerous & most definitely should not be normal. I bought my Hyundai Sonata Hybrid on May 25, 2011. I had a 2006 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4 Cylinder & it was the perfect car. I was expecting the Sonata Hybrid to be equally perfect as it was made at the same auto plant in Assan, Korea. Additionally, I have found the gas mileage is not much better in the 2011 Sonata Hybrid than it was in in 2006 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4 cylinder car which also got over 40 miles per gallon on the highway at speeds of 55 -- 60 miles per gallon. The Hybrid is a few miles better per gallon in town than my 06 Sonata.

Summary:MY 2011 Hyundai Sonata is a beautiful, very comfortable car with many nice features which make it a pleasure to drive. However, the problems I have had to date -- especially the recurring Check Engine Light -- have been very distressing. Hopefully, in a few years I will be saying that although there were a few glitches up front, I bought a good car.